Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Xolani Hlatshwayo, a young man from Mkuze in KwaZulu-Natal, was raised by his mother along with three siblings. He started his education at Elundini Primary School in Ngwavuma and completed matric at Mtwazi Combined School in 2012. He graduated with honours, receiving a BSc Agriculture degree from the University of Zululand in 2017.
Xolani’s passion for agriculture was nurtured by his grandmother, who often reminded him that “farming is life; there is no life without farming.”
His family relied on farming for basic needs, producing maize for maize meal and extracting cooking oil from cow fat using a hydraulic and screw oil press. Their fresh produce not only sustained the family but also supported the local community, becoming a source of income.
This early exposure sparked Xolani’s deep love for agriculture and made him pursue studies in agronomy, focusing on crop health. Apart from his agricultural pursuits, Xolani enjoys exercising and sports to maintain physical fitness, which helps him meet the demands of his agricultural activities.
Potatoes SA Bursary Success
While studying at the University of Zululand, Xolani was encouraged by friends who were bursary beneficiaries to apply for the Potatoes SA bursary programme. He applied and was successfully awarded the bursary, which funded his undergraduate studies.
Receiving the Potatoes SA bursary relieved his financial pressures as it covered most expenses, including accommodation and study materials.
This support allowed him to focus entirely on his studies, leading to exceptional academic performance.
Educational Journey and Career Path
Education unlocks potential, yet many students face financial burdens.
Thanks to the Potatoes SA bursary, Xolani thrived despite these obstacles.
The bursary support enabled him to complete his undergraduate studies with distinction, demonstrating the power of educational support.
Knowing his academic needs were fully supported, Xolani was motivated to excel. This support allowed him to engage in practical activities related to his course, further enhancing his learning and growth.
His dedication was recognized when he was elected project manager for the Department of Agricultural Society at the University of Zululand for the 2016/17 term. In addition, his impressive academic record, which included numerous distinctions, earned him a position as a tutor. Encouraged by the Potatoes SA bursary programme, he excelled in his studies, ultimately graduating with distinction and setting the stage for a promising career in agriculture.
After graduating in 2018, Xolani joined the Future Farmers Foundation programme, where he gained hydroponic farming experience. His first placement was at Havilah Farm in Drummond, Outer West Durban, as a supervisor trainee for six months. He then worked as a hydroponic assistant at a farm in Pietermaritzburg under the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, where both farms featured greenhouses and open-field vegetable cultivation.
In 2022, Xolani joined South African Breweries (SAB) as an agricultural intern. This role exposed him to agricultural advisory, research development, and various business operations, including calibrating farming implements, research methodology, report writing, presentation skills, problem-solving in the field, and crop production recommendations. This experience equipped him with strong communication, leadership, and pressure-management skills.
Throughout this journey, Xolani learned valuable lessons in passing on information to producers, being humble, mentoring, and maintaining patience. His passion for his work and respect for the industry have instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility.
Since May 2023, he has been working as an agricultural advisor. In this role, he conducts educational programmes, demonstrations, and information days to help subsistence and small-scale producers improve agricultural productivity and yield.
Reflections on the Programme
The Potatoes SA bursary programme profoundly impacted Xolani’s life, inspiring him to encourage other students to apply. He emphasizes the programme’s value in supporting students through their studies and providing hands-on experience after graduation. This practical exposure equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their agricultural careers, making the programme truly transformative.
The programme supports students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in achieving their dreams by alleviating financial constraints. It motivates students to excel academically by prioritising those with strong results, driving them to strive for excellence and complete their degrees within the stipulated time.
Xolani also participated in the Potatoes SA Bursary Programme induction event, where he gained valuable insight into potato cultivation, pest and disease management, and comprehensive production planning. He received study materials and hands-on experience in grading and sorting potatoes before they reached the market.
This experience proved invaluable in his role as an agricultural advisor, where he applies his knowledge to support potato projects, improving agricultural practices and productivity. Xolani is committed to deepening his knowledge of the potato industry through ongoing research and development. He contributes to the field by working on the Gedlumhlanga Project in the Eastern Cape, which falls under the transformation division’s programmes and produces potatoes under dryland conditions.
During his time as an agricultural intern with SAB, he gained valuable certifications, including Advanced Microsoft Excel, Association of Veterinary and Crop Associations of South Africa, Fertilizer Advisor’s Certification, Training Scheme Certification, Maize and Barley Grading Certification, and Advanced Equipment Operator Training.
His excellent performance earned him recognition in the Best Extension Practitioner: Candidate award at the Joe Gqabi District Extension and Advisory Services Awards for 2024/25, reflecting his dedication to advancing agriculture and supporting producers.
Xolani is deeply grateful for the transformative impact the Potatoes SA bursary programme has had on his life. It laid a solid foundation for his career, and he eagerly anticipates gaining more experience and embracing growth opportunities.
He aspires to become a highly recognized professional agronomist with extensive agricultural knowledge. He draws inspiration from Samuel Beckett’s mantra: “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” This philosophy encourages him to view setbacks as opportunities for improvement.
In closing, Xolani encourages all South African graduates to seize opportunities, start at the bottom if needed, and focus on doing the work. By setting aside pride, staying flexible, and embracing transformation, they can lay a strong foundation for growth and success. – Lebo Tlomatsana, transformation intern, Potatoes SA
For more information, email the author at lebo@potatoes.co.za.